Roughriders lose right tackle Jermarcus Hardrick to injury; Brammer to start

American Jacob Brammer will come off the practice squad this week and fill the void at right tackle for the Roughriders on Friday night

Published Jul 16, 2024 • Last updated 4 hours ago • 3 minute read

Saskatchewan Roughriders offensive lineman Jacob Brammer runs a drill during practice at Mosaic Stadium on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 in Regina. Photo by KAYLE NEIS /Regina Leader-Post

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have suffered another long-term loss along the offensive line.

Right tackle Jermarcus Hardrick — who was injured in Saskatchewan’s 35-20 loss to the B.C. Lions in Week 6 — has been ruled out for an extended period of time with a quadriceps injury, which will likely require surgery.

“It’s unfortunately going to be long term for him,” said Riders’ head coach Corey Mace. “Not going to rule out the end of the year but it’s going to be long term.

Advertisement 2

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Regina Leader-Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Sign In or Create an Account

Article content

“It’s unfortunate for him. It’s unfortunate for everybody obviously.”

American rookie Jacob Brammer will come off the practice squad this week and fill the void at right tackle on Friday night when the Roughriders host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Mosaic Stadium (7:30 p.m., TSN).

“It means a lot,” Brammer, 25, said after practice on Tuesday. “This is why you to come to play.

“It sucks losing (Hardrick) but I’ve learned a lot from him and he’s been a great mentor.”

Brammer, who signed with the Riders in December 2023, played right tackle at Vanderbilt University in 2022 and put together a strong training camp, which is why the team kept him around for a situation like this.

“He showed really well in the pre-season and a lot of things that we ID of what we try to do, he does naturally as well,” said Mace.

“I’ve been preparing like I’m going to (start) so now it’s just time to put it all into play,” added the 6-foot-4, 301-pound Brammer, a Tennessee native.

It’s the second major injury to a Roughriders’ offensive lineman this year after the team also lost Canadian Philip Blake to a similar quad injury earlier this year.

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

Article content

Advertisement 3

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

After being a CFL all-star with the Blue Bombers in 2021 and 2023, the 34-year-old Hardrick was a key free agent signing by Saskatchewan this off-season and was a key figure on their revamped offensive line.

And while the Roughriders will miss Hardrick’s presence on the field and in the locker room, the 6-foot-5, 317-pounder is going to stay with the team while he recovers.

“Talking with Yosh, he’s going to do his rehab and stuff here so having that personality around is still huge for us as a team,” said Mace. “We still get his voice (and) still get his leadership and his presence.”

To account for the injury, the Roughriders signed American offensive lineman Nick Jones on Tuesday.

The 6-foot-3, 300-pounder played three seasons at Mississippi State, making 25 starts for the Bulldogs.

Harris update

Quarterback Trevor Harris continues to be sidelined with a knee injury that saw him be placed on the six-game injured list, but the 38-year-old veteran has been throwing on the sideline during practice this week.

Harris has been out since suffering an MCL injury on June 23, however there’s still no timeline for his return.

Advertisement 4

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

“No real update other than he’s progressing extremely well,” said Mace. “Knowing Trev and his mentality of how he attacks things, I wouldn’t be shocked if the guy wasn’t going through the full six weeks.

“He’s trending extremely well for us … He’s doing everything we expected and all signs are pointing positive for Trevor.”

With Harris out, Shea Patterson will get his third career start this week.

After picking up his first win in his first start against the Toronto Argonauts on July 4, Patterson — who completed 15-of-23 passes for 192 yards in the win — suffered his first loss as a starter against the Lions last week, in a game where he completed 17-of-25 passes for 278 yards.

“Just continue to push what he’s been doing,” said Mace. “He’s consistently gotten better.

“He’s making the right reads, man, so allowing him just to be him is the best thing.”

[email protected]

Recommended from Editorial

Roughriders suffer first loss of season against high-powered Lions

Davis: Saskatchewan Roughriders magical CFL season crashes into reality

The Regina Leader-Post has created an Afternoon Headlines newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox so you are up to date with the most vital news of the day. Click here to subscribe.

With some online platforms blocking access to the journalism upon which you depend, our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark leaderpost.com and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed. Click here to subscribe.

Article content

>>> Read full article>>>
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source : Leader Post – https://leaderpost.com/sports/football/cfl/saskatchewan-roughriders/sports-roughriders-hardrick-out-with-injury-brammer-starts